Chinese doctors have developed a new generation of bio-artificial liver machine, a more intelligent device that can automatically decide what treatment a patient needs and help them feel more comfortable during the treatment.

In addition to regular treatments provided by the previous machines, the new device could also carry out more complicated operations including plasma replacement and hemodialysis, said Wang Yuming, an artificial liver specialist with Southwestern Hospital based in Chongqing.

The cabinet-shaped machine, 1.3 meters tall, 0.8 meter wide and 0.5 meter thick -- much smaller than the previous versions, could imitate the detoxifying and metabolizing functions of the real liver and provided interim treatment after liver transplants, said Wang.

It has an early warning device that detects potential system failures.

The new device will be put into clinical use in April.

Artificial liver machines have been widely used in China to treat severe hepatitis and cirrhosis patients since Germany developed the world's first artificial liver in 1996 using pig liver cells.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2004)